PITMAN, NJ -- The College of New Jersey has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the 2021-22 New Jersey Athletic Conference men's swimming and diving title, based on a poll of the league's five head coaches announced recently.

Rowan is slotted in second behind TCNJ, who picked up all five first-place votes. The Profs were also selected the dark horse pick. Montclair State was picked third, and the preseason poll is rounded out by Ramapo in fourth and William Paterson in fifth.

The Profs look to be as strong as ever despite not competing in last year's modified spring season. The Profs welcome back Kevin Gillooly, who has earned All-America honors in 11 events in his decorated career. The two-time NJAC Swimmer of the Year and 2017-18 NJAC Rookie of the Year, Gillooly earned All-America honors in the 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke, and 200 and 400 medley relays in his last season in the pool in 2019-20. All-American Dylan Regan also returns. Regan, a First Team All-NJAC selection, led three Rowan relays to All-America honors in the 2019-20 season. 2018-19 NJAC Rookie of the Year and two-time First Team All-NJAC honoree Kevin Yanagisawa is also back; he was the NJAC champion in the 200 fly and 500 freestyle two seasons ago and has also earned NCAA 'B' cuts in two events in his career. In breast stroke, Greg Cann looks to lead the Profs. Cann is two-time All-Conference in the 100 and 200 breast stroke events. The Profs also welcome a handful of newcomers looking to contribute right away.

The 2021-22 season gets started on Saturday, October 23 when the squad hosts York beginning at 1 p.m.

2021-22 NJAC Preseason Poll (first place votes in parentheses)
1. TCNJ (5)
2. Rowan (dark horse)
3. Montclair State
4. Ramapo
5. William Paterson